Course overview
A Childcare course is the ideal choice if you are passionate about helping children learn, grow, and reach their full potential. You’ll develop the knowledge, practical skills, and confidence needed to support children’s learning, development, health, and wellbeing from birth through to primary school age.
Through a combination of classroom learning and hands-on experience, you’ll explore child development, play, safeguarding, communication, and inclusive practice, preparing you for higher education or a rewarding career working with children and families.
Our courses provide an opportunity for you to gain valuable work experience alongside your studies, so you learn on the job and not just in the classroom. Our team of highly qualified staff use their professional experience to keep courses up to date with the latest developments in the sector. They will teach you important links between theory and practice, which will ensure that you are fully prepared to meet the challenges of this rewarding career. A DBS check will be carried out as part of the course in order to work with vulnerable people.
Our facilities include the brand new Tyneham building at our Weymouth campus, offering state-of-the-art learning and support resources, fitted with a mock hospital ward and children’s nursery.
Entry Requirements
Two GCSEs at grade 2 or above, a keen interest in childcare and willingness to learn, both in the classroom and on work placements.
Course Structure
Course Description
This course provides an introduction to working with children and helps you develop the skills and knowledge needed for further study. You will explore areas such as child development, play, communication, and supporting children’s wellbeing, while gaining confidence in a caring and supportive environment.
You will study a mixture of theory and practical work within the course, including units related to caring for children and an introduction to Health, Social Care and Early Years.
Units include:
- In Caring for Children
- Finding out about Forest schools; Science, Music and Craft activities for young children
- Growth and development for young children
- Human growth and development
- Respecting and valuing children
- Confidence building for the young child
- Talking and Listening and Understanding learning and development through play
Work placement
Work placement is an essential part of all Early Years courses, giving you valuable experience in a real Early Years setting. Our dedicated Work Placement Officer will support you in finding a suitable placement and provide guidance throughout the process.
Before starting placement, all students must successfully complete a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check.
Uniform
Students are required to wear the Coastland College Early Years uniform while attending work placement.
The uniform consists of:
- Coastland College Early Years polo shirt
- Black trousers
- Black, sensible shoes
To meet professional standards within Early Years settings, students are not permitted to wear false nails while on placement.
Assessment
All Early Years courses are assessed through coursework, allowing you to demonstrate your knowledge and skills throughout the year.
Progression
NCFE is a nationally recognised provider of childcare qualifications. You will be able to enter employment at trainee level or progress to further education such as the NCFE Level 2 qualification in Childcare and Health and Social Care or to an Apprenticeship programme.